The Bulawayo City Council has provoked strong public criticism by extending Town Clerk Christopher Dube's contract for an additional year. This second renewal, moving his departure to November 2026, was approved pending a legal opinion on a new statutory instrument affecting retirement ages. Dube, in his role since 2016, had previously requested a five-year extension from the councilors.
Residents, civic groups, and political activists have condemned the decision as selfish and damaging. Mqondisi Moyo of the Mthwakazi Republic Party suggested it promoted exclusion and privilege. Max Mnkandla from the Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum called for Dube's immediate resignation, while Zapu's Vivian Siziba linked the move to poor city services.
The process faced allegations of impropriety, with claims that Dube bypassed standard committees and influenced discussions concerning his own employment. A development practitioner, Thembelani Dube, countered that the extension complied with the new regulation, but residents like Ben Moyo questioned whether it would lead to improved municipal services.
Residents, civic groups, and political activists have condemned the decision as selfish and damaging. Mqondisi Moyo of the Mthwakazi Republic Party suggested it promoted exclusion and privilege. Max Mnkandla from the Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum called for Dube's immediate resignation, while Zapu's Vivian Siziba linked the move to poor city services.
The process faced allegations of impropriety, with claims that Dube bypassed standard committees and influenced discussions concerning his own employment. A development practitioner, Thembelani Dube, countered that the extension complied with the new regulation, but residents like Ben Moyo questioned whether it would lead to improved municipal services.
